signs of spring
The buds on one of my larch are starting to swell. I can even see a hint of green peeking through. Can't wait, and I hope your all as excited as I am for warmer weather.
Dave
signs of spring
by Ron 
, Thursday, March 04, 2010, 23:45 (186 days ago) @ DaveA
A couple of weeks ago I planted tomato and pepper seeds. With the help of gentle bottom heat they have all sprouted. In another week or two I will need to move them to larger pots.
I did a bunch of repots today. All Trident maples and some Chinese elms are pushing new growth. I saw some fresh white rootlets when I uncovered them. Spring has officially arrived here in the greenhouse! 
Ron
signs of spring
Buds swelling on larch? Now I'm jealous Dave !! Our larches are still beneath a foot of snow. We are always 2-3 weeks behind you folks in Syracuse. None of the trees kept outdoors are peeking there noses out of the snow yet. And they will probably not be available for the Marty Schmalenberg workshop on Mar 20th. Art will have to purchase something new to work on.
Signs of spring? Like Ron - our trees kept indoors are doing nice things - especially the bougainvillea, grewia, and natal plum. They are all happy as can be. Bahama berry and jacaranda too.
Trident maple and cottoneaster that were in the cellar for winter dormancy began to break bud and were moved to an unheated shed (colder than the cellar) to extend their dormant period.
Ah spring !!! It's a wonderful thing ! 
signs of spring
Your comments made me run down to the garage again to check on my little trees. I was happy to see that my juniper has greened up and the dry prickle is now soft. I think it made it (whew). When I put it in its winter place it had a yellow/brown tinge and seemed brittle. Now, on the other hand I have a Chinese Elm that dropped the last of its leaves during its storage and shows no sign of buds. Its still around freezing most of the time in the garage, and there's low light with the closest window still under snow. What should I expect my Elm to look like at this stage?
signs of spring
So glad your juniper has had a happy winter and is looking good. There are many varied opinions on how to treat a Chinese elm. Some folks keep them indoors year round, some outside with protection, etc. So many factors to consider. I'm not surprised that there is no bud-swell yet.
Two options for you now. You can begin to slowly "defrost" your tree by gradually moving it to a warmer place with more light (not direct sun) but brighter. This means around ten days to two week increments of warmer brighter and with increases of water as well. Yet do not overwater or let stand in water. Elms do not like wet feet. Throughout the remainder of March and April it will acclimate to the approaching spring. But be prepared to protect it from a killer frost.
Option two is to let nature take over. Leave it just where it is until spring warms the tree and stirs it. Buds will swell when it is ready. When not frozen it will need some water, and TLC.
Hope we get the thaw soon. And maybe some more 'opinions' about your elm !!!
Tom M
signs of spring
My Chinese elm is kept in the attached garage over the winter where the temps average between 30-50 F. It is now just starting to show some green in the buds and by next month it'll be ready to move outside with protection from any frost.
The maples are further along with buds opening and starting to push, I have to move them to a sunnier location in a few weeks without exposing them to the outside temps. Had 1 trident in my forest that has died, I guess its not too bad after 4 years, 1 out 17, can't complain.
Jon
signs of spring
All you folks out there who are going stir crazy - serious cabin fever - get out of the house. Bonsai club meetings will help with your cravings. Mix with others who want to jump start the growing season, compare notes, seek advice, etc. In Utica the meet is Sat 3/13 (tomorrow) 12 Noon at 10 Higby Road, just off Genesee. Bring your little trees - they will love the companionship !!!!! 
signs of spring
Had a good time at the meeting today. It was a good practice run for the upcoming "busy" season. Hope you guys enjoyed seeing my larch in person. I'm looking forward to making the trip again sometime soon.
Dave
signs of spring
Speaking for the club in Utica, we were glad to have you as a guest Dave. The repotting session was a good opportunity to share a learning experience. Various trees were worked on and 'improved'. Fresh soil, root reduction, repositioning and wiring into pots.
Your larch? What can I say? It is awesome. That is a future specimen tree and we were so glad you brought it to show. Excellent wiring job !!! Your bargain junipers were also impressive. Thanks again - visit often - join the club if you like. New members are always welcome.
signs of spring
Have we been having a LOT of sunshine or what? Seems more abundant than usual. Of course, along with the sunnier days, we get colder nights. Watch for the frost. Snow is gone now, and it should be warming gradually. A lot of little trees are ending their slumber. REPOTTING time is here. 
Big job - but an important one.
signs of spring
the 10 day forecast looks great for the albany area. Start clearing those benches and prepare youself to lug all the trees out. I know im ready to get them out and leave them on the benches instead of trucking them all back into the garage.
signs of spring
Yeah - you've got that right !! Let's hope we can really ease into spring now, with no more 2-steppin'.
A bit more cool/wet - then warm sunshine
signs of spring
The nice spring weather is making me anxious to see any sign of life from my Chinese Elm which has been out of the garage in a shelterd spot for the past week. Should I get it ready for the dead tree contest or remain patient?
signs of spring
DW Think Spring !! Think positive !!! Think patience !!
Bring your elm over to Cedarville for a 'check-up'. We're out in the yard all day doing clean-up and tree work.
We can begin our new local study group today.
signs of spring
Thanks Tom...too much going on to drive over this weekend, but if this little tree is still looking dead next weekend, I'll stop over with the tree and a camera. You can take a pic of me and the tree and we'll post it so people can guess which is the dead tree.